Junior Brendan Conroy scored 13 points in a loss to Chalmette on Friday, Dec. 18.

Down by as many as 26 points in the third quarter, the Jesuit basketball team cut the margin to 11 halfway through the fourth but were unable to get any closer as host Chalmette pulled away for a 68-53 victory in the semifinals of the Valero Chalmette Christmas Classic.

Heading into the game, all eyes were on Chalmette center Mitchell Robinson. Coach Chris Jennings even went so far as to suggest the six-foot-ten junior had NBA potential. But the Texas A&M commitment was a non-factor on offense. Unfortunately, Robinson’s lackluster ten-point effort–which came off two dunks, a field goal, and four free throws–was more than offset by hot shooting from the rest of the Owls, three of whom equaled or surpassed Robinson’s point total. The Owls shot a blistering 66% on the night from inside the arc, and also converted five of 14 three point attempts.

Robinson did make his presence felt on defense, pulling down seven rebounds, blocking three shots, and altering several others.

Senior Rob Weiss put up the biggest numbers for the Jays on the night, scoring 16 points and pulling down eight rebounds, both team highs. Junior Brendan Conroy added 13 points.

Jesuit is now 4-7 on the season.

Jesuit will face Rummel for third place in the eight-team tournament on Saturday, Dec. 19. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in the Chalmette High School gym.